Luminato artistic director departing after two seasons

Josephine Ridge, artistic director of Toronto’s Luminato Festival, has resigned after only two seasons.

Luminato’s board of directors issued a statement praising ridge for her “hard work, passion and vision” and noted she has left the annual cultural event well-prepared for the future.

“(Ridge) has been instrumental in transitioning Luminato into its next decade and has been a vocal champion for Canadian artists and Toronto’s artistic community while bringing some of the most globally relevant and exciting programming from around the world to our doorstep. While everyone is sad to see her leave, Josephine has laid a solid foundation for Luminato to build upon in 2019 and is leaving with a great deal of work in place for next year’s festival,” the statement said.

No reason has been given for Ridge’s departure, which Luminato CEO Anthony Sargent described as “a sad moment.”

“She has done two terrific seasons. She’s actually largely programmed next year already so actually she’s contributed three to the festival. She’s done absolutely extraordinary things of which we’re all incredibly proud,” Sargent said in a phone interview.

Sargent said although Ridge is “deeply committed to the Canadian landscape and to Canadian artists,” he’s not sure of her future plans.

Ridge was unavailable for comment. She has previously served as artistic director of the Melbourne Festival and as executive director of the Sydney Festival for nearly a decade.

Ravi Jain, artistic director of Toronto’s Why Not Theatre, said he is “surprised and sad” to hear of Ridge’s departure.